Affordable Housing

Mathare Slums is one of the most congested areas in Nairobi. With the urban population growing at a rate much faster than can be absorbed and managed, this causes demands on services and infrastructure that massively outstrip supply. In many emerging market cities, this leaves the majority of residents with few options but to live in slums. Increasing access to high quality affordable housing has a profound impact, both for the individual and society at large.

We at Inspiration Centre feel that it is time for this dynamic to change. If we are trying to improve the lives of the poor, we cannot overlook housing. Housing is at the root of many of the issues we work to address—the lack of quality shelter means people live in areas with reduced access to clean water and sanitation, unreliable and unhealthy energy sources, increased exposure to disease, and low levels of financial security.

As a community based organization, Inspiration Centre offers affordable housing to those who need it most. Our first housing project is called the ‘Flatted Fifth.’ It is named after a jazz term for the fifth musical note that sounds flat, giving voice to pain. In remembrance of the pains and struggles of our community, we found the name fit well. The building has 15 studio apartments that meet decent living standards and clean water. The income generated is ploughed back into Inspiration Centre to help with education and ministry work.